I am now “back in the swing” of things, and have been quite busy, but the real highlight for this week was the call for Georgetown Lombardi-based proposals for seed funding through a number of mechanisms. This is not to be confused with the recent request for proposals for clinical trial support. So, we have lots of opportunities to explore new, interesting ideas. I expect the awards will be competitive, but successful applicants will get a real leg up in securing external peer reviewed funding. Please take a look at the announcement and consider responding to one or more of the mechanisms.
By now, many of you have no doubt seen the wonderful quilts that now hang in Suite E501. These come from our fabulous Arts and Humanities Program, courtesy of Nancy Morgan. Nancy has established a truly innovative and deeply inspirational program that serves our patients, their families and their caregivers; it is a model for similar efforts around the country.
These beautiful works of art had previously been in our patient care areas, and we were quite fortunate to get them for our suite. I simply love the message they send, about the convergence of research, drug development, patient care and the very human touch that makes our mission so compelling.
Let me tell you more about their story. The cancer treatment garden in Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park in Vienna,Virginia was created by Walter Parham in memory of his wife Lenore, a Georgetown Lombardi patient who battled and succumbed to ovarian cancer. The garden contains plants that are nurtured and grown for the properties they contain to make drugs to fight cancer.
The therapeutic benefits of nature and art have come together in this artistic garden. Each quilt represents the healing power of one of the plants with the intent of bringing a haven of comfort, peace and hope from the organic garden into our cancer center. They are dedicated to the memory of Lenore Parham and created by her friends.
Take a look at the attached photos of the plants. Then, stop by E501 to fully appreciate their beauty and meaning. Then, go back to work, inspired by the knowledge that you do important work, and countless millions of people depend upon you to do work that makes a difference.
